Airport Coordination Limited (ACL) has allocated Air New Zealand 236 slots at London Gatwick for the summer of 2025 as the airline considers re-entering the UK market after leaving in 2019 due to operational challenges.
Air New Zealand had previously applied for 420 slots at London Heathrow but received only a small fraction of the total 28,909 applications processed by ACL, highlighting the intense competition for airport slots.
The airline is facing operational challenges with four of its fourteen B787-9 aircraft currently grounded due to ongoing issues with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, prompting adjustments to its schedule for the 2024/25 summer season.
With plans for refurbishing its long-range aircraft fleet, Air New Zealand aims to rejuvenate its international service offerings, although any potential return to London will require a refuelling stop, as neither the B787-9 nor the B777-300ER can operate the route nonstop.
